Tiruchi Corporation has planned to install new street name boards on 1,866 streets across the city as part of an initiative to improve public signage and remove caste-based or communal street names.
The move comes after residents and activists requested the Corporation to remove references to caste identities in street names such as Kura Theru, Keezha Sarayapattarai Theru, Viswappa Naicken Pettai etc.
According to officials, the replacement of damaged or missing boards will be taken up in phases, with priority given to areas where the existing boards are defaced. Incidents of advertisers pasting posters on the boards have been reported, often damaging them during removal.
The civic body has sanctioned ₹1 crore for upgrading existing signage and installing new name boards in a phased manner. The works will cover 1,866 streets – 226 in Zone 1, 188 in Zone 2, 257 in Zone 3, 604 in Zone 4, and 591 in Zone 5.
Councillors and officials in all five zones have been directed to prepare a list of streets with caste or communal names to be sent to the Municipal Administration Department for approval. During recent area sabha meetings, residents were urged to suggest alternative names for the streets.
“Around 60 streets will be renamed in the first phase. Once approved, the identified streets will be officially renamed and new signboards will be installed,” said a senior Corporation official.
It is estimated that over 20 streets in each zone currently bear caste-based names. Names of political leaders, freedom fighters, and prominent personalities from the State are being considered as replacements.
Recently, Thirunagar 3rd Main Road in Karumandapam was renamed after late Tamil poet Nandalala, and Thangaiyan Street in Srirangam was renamed in honour of Nadaswaram player Sheik Chinna Moulana.
Published – November 08, 2025 06:47 pm IST
